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Description
The aim of the project is to develop a systematic and knowledge-based approach for organizing volunteer work in the NGO.
Project activities include gaining experience in organizing volunteer work in other organizations, as well as developing and implementing a volunteering development strategy. As a result of the activities, a strategy for the development of volunteer work will be developed and it will allow to organize volunteer work thoughtfully and in a coordinated manner, while the involvement of the volunteer coordinator will provide an opportunity to implement the volunteering developed strategy and increase the capacity of the association''s human resources with volunteers. Volunteers will help to diversify the sources of funding of the NGO, activities and increase the amount of activities implemented.
The main project benefit for NGO will be knowledge and experience in organizing volunteer work, which in the long run will allow to establish cooperation with the local government on coordinated implementation of volunteer work in the county or coastal area. Meanwhile the network of volunteers established by the volunteer coordinator in the long run will also promote the increase of social activity of other NGOs and residents of Engure area.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several key challenges faced by the association "Piekrastes Konvents." There was a lack of experience in organizing volunteer work, which had become apparent despite a previous positive experience involving volunteers for a summer event in 2020. It was also noted that local residents had a low understanding of the significance of volunteer work, and there was no targeted coordination or educational efforts on this matter from local municipalities in either Engure or Tukuma districts. Additionally, the association had exhausted its existing capacity and needed to expand its human resources by attracting new members and volunteers. Another issue was the absence of a structured approach to volunteer work within the association, as no comprehensive strategy had been developed to guide this process. Consequently, the association also needed to improve its capacity to manage volunteer work systematically, which would enhance social engagement in the community and ensure long-term sustainability.
The project "Promotion of Volunteering" facilitated several key activities to enhance volunteer engagement and organizational capacity. Exchange visits with various youth centers and organizations was organized to gather experience on volunteer management in large-scale events and explore collaboration opportunities. A volunteer recruitment strategy was developed, with input from an external expert and feedback from the organization''s members. The strategy was implemented through the involvement of a volunteer coordinator, who also worked on attracting new volunteers and building a volunteer database. The project also explored opportunities for attracting funding through different income-generating activities and donations, strengthening the association''s financial independence. Additionally, efforts were made to organize cultural events and involve local residents in these activities. Volunteers were crucial in supporting and organizing these events, contributing to the organization''s ongoing development.
The project "Promotion of Volunteering" achieved significant outcomes in strengthening the capacity of the organization "Piekrastes Konvents." It developed a systematic, knowledge-based approach to volunteer work, enabling more efficient and thoughtful organization of volunteer activities. The creation of a volunteer strategy helped ensure long-term knowledge transfer to new members and fostered a more structured volunteer engagement process. The involvement of a volunteer coordinator allowed the organization to implement the strategy and organize new types of events that would not have been possible without this expertise. The project also successfully initiated efforts to attract funding from sources beyond grants, increasing financial sustainability. In the short term, the organization gained valuable insights into how to collaborate effectively with volunteers, understanding their motivations and how these differ based on age, education, and experience. In the long term, the strategy will help the organization continue developing activities, increasing non-project-related income, ensuring greater independence, and achieving its long-term goals. The project strengthened interaction between the association and the local community, benefiting both the organization and its volunteers.